Hello! For the next month I be will participating in the beloved Telluride AIDS Benefit (TAB) fashion show. A whole bunch of us are donating our time (100 something hours) and our muscles (haven’t been this consistently sore maybe ever?) to help create what will be an incredible three nights of fashion, dance, and remembrance of those that are no longer here with us due to this virus.

When I learned about the HIV / AIDS epidemic as a teenager, I was in awe of the social activism and community organizing that resulted from the virus. I was, and still am, moved by the creativity, coalition building, and perseverance of so many that fought to be heard.

Being queer, I am also grateful for the health and wellbeing of my community today. I give thanks to those that have advocated for the right to queer existence through spending a good chunk of my adult life working for HIV / health advocacy organizations and educating myself on the virus. I will continue to be an advocate for a cause that is far from over, despite the immense amount of progress we have made. This is largely why I am participating in this event and why I need your help.

The future is looking scary. With those in power spreading mis-information about the virus, turning away from science, and scapegoating marginalized communities, it is clear we need to mobilize. We must look towards the past and remember the power of grassroots movements. We must put our faith in smaller organizations as we lose faith in our leaders.

So, we have work to do. But let’s take it day by day. And want to take action? Then make a little donation! Any amount helps and I appreciate you for simply reaching the end of my mini essay I was not planning on writing.

So much love to you all and happy TAB!!